Sporting 0-1 Barcelona

La Liga -Adriano’s goal at El Molinón meant that Guardiola’s team set another Spanish League record, chalking up the 24th away game on the run in which they have scored.

Barça equalled the league record at Mestalla, which was previously held by Real Madrid since 1953, when they scored in every away game from week 27 in the 1950/51 season until week 12 in the 1952/53 campaign, recording 6 wins, 7 draws and 10 defeats. Now, in Gijon, Barça have beaten that record.

Barça collected three points courtesy of a 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon at El Molinon, but the champions were far from their best.

A deflected effort from Adriano nestled into the corner early on after Xavi’s thunderous long-range drive had rebounded off the post, and although Pep Guardiola’s side never looked in danger, they struggled to further break down a well-drilled home side.

Barça were comfortable in the end, and move to the top of the table heading into the international break, with 14 points – the same total as Levante, who beat Betis earlier on Sunday.

To whom asking about Abidal injury: Eric Abidal suffered a hamstring strain and will be out for between seven and ten days .

The French international defender picked up the injury on 54 minutes during the game and after coming off, club doctors diagnosed a strain in his left thigh.

Abidal will be out for between seven and ten days, during which the league is on hold for international games.